Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has suffered a setback as its candidate for Magarini Furaha Chengo left the party, citing frustrations from key party officials.

In a letter on Monday, September 29, 2025, Chengo, who is a member of the National Executive Committee, cited unfavourable experience with the party’s National Elections Board (NEB).

Unfavourable engagements

He also stated that his engagement with the party’s Secretary General, Hezron Obaga, had been profoundly disappointing.

“Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) as a National Executive Committee (NEC) member, effective immediately. This decision has not been taken lightly, but I can no longer continue in a role where my efforts are undermined by systemic inefficiencies and a lack of support from key party officials,” part of his statement read.

Concerns

“I want to express my deepest gratitude and respect to our party leader…However, my experience with the National Elections Board (NEB) and the Secretary-General (5G) has been profoundly disappointing. The persistent lack of communication, disregard for grassroots concerns, and failure to provide clear directives have created an environment where aspirants like myself are left to navigate critical issues without guidance or support,” he explained.

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His resignation comes days after the Party unveiled him as the candidate for the polls scheduled for November 2025.

During his unveiling on Thursday, September 18, 2025, DCP stated its optimism in Chengo’s candidacy.

“It is official. Furaha Chengo Ngumbao is the DCP Party Candidate for Magarini Constituency by-election. Ngumbao was handed over the DCP certificate by the Party’s Secretary General, Hezron Obaga. Magarini, let’s do this,” the party stated.

Chengo’s withdrawal as DCP candidate comes after another of the party’s aspirants in the Banisa by-election, Aden Mohammed, withdrew from the parliamentary contest, days after he had dismissed reports that he is in talks with the government to join the UDA party.

The development was preceded by Mbeere North Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Duncan Mbui ditching the party and opting to go as an independent candidate.

In a statement on Saturday, September 6, 2025, Mbui explained that his decision had been influenced by constituent parties within the United Opposition not to field a candidate in the upcoming Mbeere North by-election and leave it to the Justin Muturi-led DP party, a decision which, according to him, is meant to kill his political ambition.